For decades, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I substance by the federal government. This puts it in a category with hard drugs such as heroin. A Schedule I substance has a high potential for abuse and does not have an accepted medical use.
While this has been true for over 50 years, the federal government is now moving toward a reclassification or rescheduling of marijuana. Although the change has not technically taken place yet, it appears that marijuana is going to be reduced to a Schedule III substance. This means that it is still banned at the federal level, even though some states have decriminalized marijuana or legalized recreational use. However, it is significantly different from being a Schedule I substance.
The medicinal value
One potential change is that the government is recognizing that cannabis products do have medicinal uses. Many medical patients across the United States use cannabis for pain relief, for example, which may help them avoid using addictive substances like prescription painkillers.
The business impact
The rescheduling can also impact cannabis businesses across the country. For example, cannabis businesses have sometimes run into issues regarding their taxes when deducting business expenses. Rescheduling marijuana would remove this restriction.
Criminal sentences
Finally, those accused of marijuana-related crimes may see sentences that are far less severe than they would have been when marijuana was a Schedule I drug. After all, marijuana will still be illegal at the federal level when it comes to recreational adult use, just as it is in Texas. However, someone who is accused of marijuana possession is not going to face the same type of sentence as someone who is accused of heroin possession.
It is important to keep an eye on these types of legal changes as federal laws shift. Those who are facing drug crime allegations must know about all of their legal defense options at this time.